Two new virtual genealogy societies have opened their e-doors for members. The Québec Genealogical eSociety (QGeS) and the Virtual Genealogical Society (VGS) are now offering monthly webinars, e-newsletters, and opportunities to network with and learn from other genealogists.
Neither group sees their organization as a replacement for brick-and-mortar societies. In fact, the VGS encourages its members “to also join the genealogical societies in their local area and/or in the area where their ancestors lived.”
Johanne Gervais, the founder of QGeSc sees her organization as one that will benefit new and experienced genealogists as well as attract younger people who are more comfortable with social media than researching in an archival centre.
Québec Genealogical eSociety
The Québec Genealogical eSociety is the brainchild of Ms. Gervais, a professional genealogist, who visits archives and brick-and-mortar genealogical societies to access information, conduct lectures, and participate in seminars or lectures on genealogical-related topics. Due to distance and schedule, she sometimes is unable to make the journey to a particular facility.
In January 2018, after many months of work, which included registering QGeS as a Canadian non-profit organization and writing bylaws, Ms. Gervais and her team launched the society’s website and began welcoming members.
According to the bilingual English-French website, the society enables genealogists to:
- Participate and share in their genealogical research.
- Network with other genealogists.
- Pursue their growth as genealogists, either by coaching others or by being coached.
- Conduct continuous improvement and development of best practices in the discipline of genealogy.
Membership fee
The annual $45 CDN membership fee gives members free access to two popular online databases, PRDH (Research Program in Historical Demography) and BMS2000, as well as monthly webinars and a network of genealogists.
Virtual Genealogical Society
The newest kid on the virtual block is the Virtual Genealogical Society, launched last week. The five-member board, composed of Katherine R Willson, Christine Woodcock, Lisa Alzo, Gena Philibert-Ortega, and Terri O’Connell, aims to “provide a forum for genealogists to connect, network, and mentor with genealogists around the world through monthly meetings online, webinars, social networking, annual conferences, and in-person meet-ups at conferences, institutes, and events.”
VGS serves family history enthusiasts of all levels and is geared toward those:
- Whose circumstances make it difficult to attend local genealogical society meetings.
- Who prefer online presentations, special interest groups, conferences, and socializing.
- With an interest in connecting, networking, and mentoring with global genealogists.
Already, VGS has listed several webinars, with the first one starting in June, and they have announced the speakers for their virtual conference in November 2019.
The VGS has state, provincial, and country chapters to provide information about events taking place in the area where fellow family history enthusiasts might want a meet-up. The chapters can also coordinate monthly programs, along with door prizes and live chats, at a time that is convenient for people in that area. There will not be any additional dues to join a chapter, outside of the regular VGS dues. Chapter pages will be linked from the main website, and VGS takes care of domain costs and initial set-up of pages.
Membership fee — sale
Annual dues for VGS are $20 US, but there is a half-price special of $10 until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, May 5, 2018.
Social media
Both organizations have a presence on Facebook and Twitter.
